Pirates would heed ISP warning

UK piracy would be massively reduced if offenders received a warning from their Internet service provider, according to a survey by Entertainment Media Research. The report suggests that 70 per cent of people would cease piracy if they received a warning. The percentage of those who would stop downloading unauthorised content if contacted by their ISP rises to 78 per cent among male teens.

“Fear of being caught is a strong theoretical deterrent but most pirates believe it’s unlikely they will be prosecuted. If pirates themselves say that a direct warning from their ISP is the most effective measure, then this reinforces current thinking to combat piracy with an ISP strategy,” commented Russell Hart, chief executive, Entertainment Media Research.